{"id":30095,"date":"2013-12-10T14:12:19","date_gmt":"2013-12-10T04:12:19","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=30095"},"modified":"2018-05-14T09:20:21","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T23:20:21","slug":"flashpacking-around-china-travel-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/flashpacking-around-china-travel-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Flashpacking around China – Travel Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Flashpacking; it\u2019s like backpacking, but for those who would rather swap shared bunk beds for private double rooms. It’s for the intrepid traveller who works full time, is low on annual leave and craves adventure. And it’s flashpacking, that offers a great solution for travel around China<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\nTypically, Aussies favour the tour group approach for journeying through China; a one-package-fits-all solution involving being herded by a mediocre English speaking guide through a whirlwind of historical landmarks. And while this approach perceivably strips the hassle out of travelling through China, the majority of sites can actually be visited independently. Flashpacking allows you to pick and choose your preferred destinations for a solo adventure while throwing in some creature comforts to take off the intrepid-traveller edge.\"Flashpacking\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to go:<\/strong>
\nChina has experiences and destinations to enthrall all types of flashpackers. All you have to do is decide on your vacation length and then pick from a range of iconic experiences.
\nIf you fancy\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2026stepping back in time<\/strong> for beautiful townships, traditional Qing and Ming architecture, vibrant streets and a rich cultural experience; Visit: Pingyao, Beijing\u2019s Hutongs, Zhujiajiao.<\/strong><\/p>\n\"\u2026stepping<\/a>\n\"rich<\/a>\n\"beautiful<\/a>\n

\"Laneways<\/a>

Laneways of Pingyao<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2026 visiting sites of importance<\/strong> with incredible architecture and cultural and historical significance; Visit: Xian and Beijing<\/strong> (minimum 3 days required to cover sites in Beijing including the Forbidden City and Summer Palace).<\/p>\n

\"Terracotta<\/a>

Terracotta warriors, Xian<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Forbidden<\/a>

Forbidden City, Beijing<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Summer<\/a>

Summer Palace, Beijing<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Tienanman<\/a>

Tienanman Square, Beijing<\/p><\/div>\n

\u2026getting out into the countryside:<\/strong>
\nFor the Great Wall. Visit: Mutianyu<\/strong>
\nFor mist-wreathed karst scenery Visit: Yangshou or Huangshan. <\/strong>
\nFor iconic rice terrace views, Visit: Yuanyang. <\/strong>
\nFor hiking through unbelievable mountains Visit: Tiger leaping gorge, Hong Kong\u2019s Islands or Zhangjiajie National Forest Park<\/strong> (from Avatar fame)
\nFor snow-capped Tibet Visit: Lhasa or Mt Kailash, Western Tibet.<\/strong><\/p>\n\"Mutianyu\"<\/a>\n

\"Mutianyu,<\/a>

Mutianyu, The Great Wall of China<\/p><\/div>\n\"Li<\/a>\n

\"A<\/a>

A boat trip down the Li River, Yangshou<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Rice<\/a>

Rice paddies, Yuangyang<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Hiking<\/a>

Hiking in Zhangjiajie<\/p><\/div>\n

\u202621st century city glam<\/strong> for cocktails with dazzling sky-high views, chic malls, high-end dining experiences and neon light displays. Visit: Shanghai or Hong Kong.<\/strong> (You can read more about what to do in Hong Kong here<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"Sundowners<\/a>

Sundowners from Bar Level 87, Park Hyatt, Shanghai<\/p><\/div>\n

\"The<\/a>

The view from the outdoor hot-tub at Vue Bar, Hyatt on the Bund, Shanghai<\/p><\/div>\n

How to get around:<\/strong>
\nA significant slice of your budget is going to be spent on transport to get across the country. So make sure you plan and book major journeys in advance.<\/p>\n

Planes<\/strong> \u2013 Fly to get across the country as quickly and easily as possible. There are loads of domestic carriers including: China Southern, Air China, Shanghai Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Beijing Capital Airlines and more! Go here<\/a> to create a flight itinerary from Australia with up to six destinations which takes out the stress of booking everything separately \u2013 huzzah.
\nTrains <\/strong>\u2013 The high-speed trains in China are an experience in themselves \u2013 ultra modern and, at up to 300kph, they\u2019re uber fast. On major routes, there are some good food options on-board and sitting in a cabin with some locals is a great opportunity to make some new friends. Within the major cities, the subways are surprisingly easy to navigate with English signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hot tip:<\/strong><\/em> Save on a nights\u2019 accommodation with a sleeper train. But make sure you book a Soft Class Sleeper<\/em> for a more comfortable experience.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\"A<\/a>

A soft sleeper train carriage (Pingyao to Beijing)<\/p><\/div>\n

Taxi<\/strong> \u2013 Cabs are cheap by Aussie standards so hiring a taxi or private driver can be well worth it to save time and give you flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hot tip:<\/strong><\/em> Public transport areas are notorious for touts. Be prepared; know where you\u2019re going and have a rough cost in your mind before you go to the cab rank.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong>
\nIn major cities, China\u2019s accommodation ranges from multi-national hotel chains to traditional, more intimate courtyard guesthouses. Flashpackers can knock themselves out scoring 5-star luxury for 3-star Aussie prices by booking ahead online. And while most hotels will offer free Wi-Fi, make sure you utilise the hotel\u2019s concierge desk to help you book trains, restaurants and writing down addresses in Chinese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flashpacker hot tip:<\/strong><\/em> To save extra dollars, book a Secret Hotel\u00ae in China<\/a>. Here you\u2019ll find the hotel\u2019s star rating, description and general location. Then, once you\u2019ve booked you\u2019ll be given the hotel\u2019s name and details.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\"Shangri-la,<\/a>

Shangri-la, Guilin<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Example<\/a>

Example of a guesthouse courtyard<\/p><\/div>\n

When to go:<\/strong>
\nSpring and Autumn provide comfortable climates for site-seeing in most regions of the country.<\/p>\n

What to pack:<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Your game face<\/strong> \u2013 Travel in China isn\u2019t for the faint hearted. You may struggle to find English speaking locals, a breakfast that includes toast and in rural areas some small hotels even refuse board to foreigners. But fear not, getting off the beaten track will reward you in cultural spades.
\n\u2022 Wi-Fi enabled phone & a Chinese SIM card<\/strong> \u2013 Google Translate will be your new best friend – fact. Remember to pick up a local SIM at airport arrivals.
\n\u2022 An extra bag<\/strong> \u2013 If you haven’t heard, Shanghai is the new Milan (read more here<\/a>). From electricals to clothes, and designer bags to home wares \u2013 China\u2019s plethora of shopping options will convert even the most die-hard non-shopper.
\nHow to get inspired:<\/strong>
\nRead: <\/strong>
\n\u2022 Wild Swans<\/em> \u2013 Jung Chang
\n\u2022 Soul Mountain<\/em> \u2013 Gao Xingjian
\n\u2022 Tiananmen Moon: Inside the Chinese Student Uprising of 1989<\/em> \u2013 Philip Cunningham
\nWatch:<\/strong>
\n\u2022 The Last Emperor
\n\u2022 Shanghai Express
\n\u2022 Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon<\/em><\/p>\n

Are you convinced, would you consider a flashpacking adventure in China? Share your thoughts below.<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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